3 Success Strategies For Creating A Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen

If you or a family member have recently been confined to a wheelchair, you probably already know that certain features of your home will need to be modified in order to provide you with a good quality of life. For instance, you'll need to have wheelchair ramps installed to the entrances to your home as well as have bars and other wheelchair-friendly fixtures put into place to ensure optimal safety. You may not be aware, however, that it's possible to continue to whip up tasty meals and treats in your home kitchen by making a few changes. Although individual comfort ranges vary, there are a few tried-and-true success strategies for creating a kitchen that's wheelchair-accessible. Following are three of them. 

Sliding Cabinet Drawers

Sometimes referred to as pull-out shelving, sliding cabinet drawers allow easy access to ingredients, utensils, pots and pans, and small appliances — you won't have to reach into them the way you do with traditional cabinets. With sliding cabinet drawers, you can pull each shelf out individually. Adjustable cabinets using electrical controls are also an option, especially if multiple household members use the kitchen. With a touch of a button, you and other family members will be able to raise and lower the cabinets to suit your individual needs and preferences. Lazy Susans are another option that increases usability.

Open Spaces Under Sinks, Stovetops, and Counters

One of the most important things in designing a wheelchair-friendly kitchen is to provide open space under sinks, stovetops, and work spaces such as butcher block islands and countertops — otherwise, it's going to be difficult, and perhaps even impossible, for you to use these at all without proper knee clearance. It's also important to position the pipes under the sink near the back to leave more room for legs as well as to insulate them to protect legs from heat.

Accessible Appliances

Appliances should be lowered so that that wheelchair users can easily access them. Most people find that they're most comfortable with appliances that are approximately 31 inches from the floor. However, height isn't the only thing that matters when accessibility is important. For instance, ovens with doors that open on the sides allow cooks in wheelchairs to get closer, thus helping to prevent accidents when items are being placed in the oven as well as being removed. Appliances with touchpad controls provide an easier user experience for many people. Ask your contractor for more inspiration about redesigning your kitchen to make it wheelchair-accessible.  

For more information about updating your kitchen and kitchen cabinetry to make it wheelchair-accessible, contact a local contractor.